Where To Buy??

[FlierX]

There is a particular reseller in the US stating that the drone will be opened, pre-activated (but not bound to a DJI account), and they will ship 2 additional batteries within a week or so - they said they do this for it to clear customs faster. Does this seem legit? Or should I just buy it a much cheaper price from a "reputable" seller in S. Korea where it will come factory sealed, with all parts, and un-activated?

Does this seem legit? Or should I just buy it a much cheaper price from a "reputable" seller in S. Korea where it will come factory sealed, with all parts, and un-activated?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mavic3usa]

You might be in luck; here's a great recommendation:

https: //www.ebay.com/itm/297422062984.

Whoops!!! Wrong link, try this one instead

[NEW] [Pre-Order] DJI Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo (DJI RC Pro 2+3 Batteries) | eBay

DJI MAVIC 4 PRO 512GB X1. DJI RC PRO 2 X1. DJIM MAVIC 4 PRO spare propeller (1 pair) X4. with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo. Includes the high-performance DJI RC Pro 2. Maximum descent speed: 10 m/s (sports mode) / 6 m/s (normal mode) / 6 m/s (CINE mode).

www.ebay.com

 

[MS Coast]

[NEW] [Pre-Order] DJI Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo (DJI RC Pro 2+3 Batteries) | eBay

DJI MAVIC 4 PRO 512GB X1. DJI RC PRO 2 X1. DJIM MAVIC 4 PRO spare propeller (1 pair) X4. with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo. Includes the high-performance DJI RC Pro 2. Maximum descent speed: 10 m/s (sports mode) / 6 m/s (normal mode) / 6 m/s (CINE mode).

www.ebay.com

Sounds interesting, BUT ... Read all the information in the listing. This may be the proverbial fly in the ointment. The same seller offers other Mavic 4 Pro packages, with similar warnings about additional costs to the buyer.

 

[mavic3usa]

Sounds interesting, BUT ... Read all the information in the listing. This may be the proverbial fly in the ointment. The same seller offers other Mavic 4 Pro packages, with similar warnings about additional costs to the buyer.

View attachment 184069

I can't speak for the seller but from what I know for using eBay, those are eBay's standard verbiage. No American customer that I know of has paid a single penny in customs or tariffs. All we are saying is do it now while we still believe that is mostly true.

I would tell you more about my experience with a Korean seller, what I saw in the notes, on the package, on the Fedex that would give you comfort but obviously we are not sharing those sort of details online.

 

[MS Coast]

No American customer that I know of has paid a single penny in customs or tariffs.

Good to hear.

I would tell you more about my experience with a Korean seller, what I saw in the notes, on the package, on the Fedex that would give you comfort but obviously we are not sharing those sort of details online.

Why not? What's sensitive about the information?

 

[mavic3usa]

Good to hear.

Why not? What's sensitive about the information?

It's a personal message. When you buy from this seller, I assume he sends the same Ebay personal message to everyone but this information is not posted on the listing so it isn't meant to be public. It says something along the lines of:

"Hello, To ensure smooth customs clearance, the DJI product you purchased..."

...and it goes on to tell you what to expect when your shipment arrives in customs.

And when you look at the packaging and how it's wrapped, having seen a metric ton of packages from Korea and China, let's just say it doesn't look the part. Under the current circumstances, I personally don't feel it is appropriate to share in an open public forum. Others who made the purchase might feel differently and probably can tell you but I don't think those details really help anyone thinking about purchasing from South Korean eBay drone sellers. There's way too much anecdotal evidence to supports the positive claims being made in this thread; it's a no-brainer.

 

[GadgetGuy]

It's a personal message. When you buy from this seller, I assume he sends the same Ebay personal message to everyone but this information is not posted on the listing so it isn't meant to be public. It says something along the lines of:

"Hello, To ensure smooth customs clearance, the DJI product you purchased..."

...and it goes on to tell you what to expect when your shipment arrives in customs.

And when you look at the packaging and how it's wrapped, having seen a metric ton of packages from Korea and China, let's just say it doesn't look the part. Under the current circumstances, I personally don't feel it is appropriate to share in an open public forum. Others who made the purchase might feel differently and probably can tell you but I don't think those details really help anyone thinking about purchasing from South Korean eBay drone sellers. There's way too much anecdotal evidence to supports the positive claims being made in this thread; it's a no-brainer.

I ordered a second Creator Combo for myself from K_Wave early this morning based upon a total price of $4,000, including eBay sales tax, with "Delivery: Estimated between Tue, Aug 5 and Tue, Aug 12." However my confirmation email now states,

"This is a Pre-Order product (4-6 weeks delivery time).
CUSTOMS & DUTIES
Ship worldwide. Customs (10-20%) vary by country.
Customer pays all duties."

Things have apparently changed!
I am canceling the order.

 

[GadgetGuy]

There is a particular reseller in the US stating that the drone will be opened, pre-activated (but not bound to a DJI account), and they will ship 2 additional batteries within a week or so - they said they do this for it to clear customs faster. Does this seem legit? Or should I just buy it a much cheaper price from a "reputable" seller in S. Korea where it will come factory sealed, with all parts, and un-activated?

Does this seem legit? Or should I just buy it a much cheaper price from a "reputable" seller in S. Korea where it will come factory sealed, with all parts, and un-activated?

Thanks in advance.

Not sure what Luke is doing, but I was game at $5400, until I found out he also charges sales tax on top of the $5400. In the past, I have found him to be very reputable. At least he is in the U.S. and has inventory in stock, and there is no chance of any Customs Hold, and no chance you will be charged tariffs on top of his final price. Anything else is a crap shoot of, "Feeling lucky?" I was lucky that Adorama had units in stock at $4650 the same day, so my delivered cost with sales tax was $5,000. Saved $800 over Luke's delivered split up shipment, and it was factory sealed.

The Korean confirmation email today from K_Wave states Pre-Order with estimated delivery in 4-6 weeks and I am responsible for all tariffs on top of my purchase price of $4,000 with eBay sales tax included. This is completely different than the advertised delivery of Aug 5-Aug 12. Anything delivered after August 1 will be problematic.

No communication from K_Wave in the last 12 hours since my request to cancel.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Update: K_Wave just responded to my request to cancel and has refunded my money.

Things have changed with him:

====

Dear Customer, Hello, and thank you for your message. Due to very high demand for this product, our stock sold out recently. We are currently restocking, and the listing is open for pre-orders based on the quantity we are guaranteed to receive. It’s true that purchases within the US do not incur import taxes. As per your request, your order has been cancelled. Wishing you a wonderful day!​

====

4-6 weeks apparently for restocking of an unknown specific quantity.
Not sure what "import taxes" I would not have incurred, and whether this means he is retracting the statement that as the buyer, am responsible for all duties and customs, on top of his price.
It's a fluid situation…

 

[MS Coast]

It's a personal message. When you buy from this seller, I assume he sends the same Ebay personal message to everyone but this information is not posted on the listing so it isn't meant to be public. It says something along the lines of:

"Hello, To ensure smooth customs clearance, the DJI product you purchased..."

...and it goes on to tell you what to expect when your shipment arrives in customs.

And when you look at the packaging and how it's wrapped, having seen a metric ton of packages from Korea and China, let's just say it doesn't look the part. Under the current circumstances, I personally don't feel it is appropriate to share in an open public forum. Others who made the purchase might feel differently and probably can tell you but I don't think those details really help anyone thinking about purchasing from South Korean eBay drone sellers. There's way too much anecdotal evidence to supports the positive claims being made in this thread; it's a no-brainer.

The only positive claims about purchasing from South Korea in this thread have come from you. What's the no-brainer decision you're suggesting?

 

[mavic3usa]

The only positive claims about purchasing from South Korea in this thread have come from you.

Fixed it in my post#6, I thought I was in the other bigger thread.

 

[MS Coast]

It's a personal message. When you buy from this seller, I assume he sends the same Ebay personal message to everyone but this information is not posted on the listing so it isn't meant to be public. It says something along the lines of:

"Hello, To ensure smooth customs clearance, the DJI product you purchased..."

...and it goes on to tell you what to expect when your shipment arrives in customs.

And when you look at the packaging and how it's wrapped, having seen a metric ton of packages from Korea and China, let's just say it doesn't look the part. Under the current circumstances, I personally don't feel it is appropriate to share in an open public forum. Others who made the purchase might feel differently and probably can tell you but I don't think those details really help anyone thinking about purchasing from South Korean eBay drone sellers. There's way too much anecdotal evidence to supports the positive claims being made in this thread; it's a no-brainer.

Purchasing from South Korea is not a no-brainer.

I looked into purchasing a Mavic 4 Fly More package from that vendor in South Korea at $2702.20 before tax. In response to my questions, I learned that they understate the value of the drone and probably label it as something other than a drone for shipping. They said that most customers see no additional costs.

While the drone may get through customs without a detailed look, it's a gamble. If customs looks closely at the shipment and imposes fees, duties, or tariffs, they are the responsibility of the purchaser, as stated in the ebay listing. There will be no recourse through ebay.

An inquiry to DJI confirmed that warranty and Care Refresh would have to be done via South Korea.

It's hardly a no-brainer. There would be no US coverage for warranty or Care Refresh. And you'd be participating in an intentional mislabeling of an import and whatever consequences might ensue if customs detects the deception.

 

[mavic3usa]

Purchasing from South Korea is not a no-brainer.

I looked into purchasing a Mavic 4 Fly More package from that vendor in South Korea at $2702.20 before tax. In response to my questions, I learned that they understate the value of the drone and probably label it as something other than a drone for shipping. They said that most customers see no additional costs.

While the drone may get through customs without a detailed look, it's a gamble. If customs looks closely at the shipment and imposes fees, duties, or tariffs, they are the responsibility of the purchaser, as stated in the ebay listing. There will be no recourse through ebay.

An inquiry to DJI confirmed that warranty and Care Refresh would have to be done via South Korea.

It's hardly a no-brainer. There would be no US coverage for warranty or Care Refresh.

Pardon me but we're busy working our way thru a system fraught with inconsistencies and incompetence and unnecessary hurdles which your government sent into shambles practical overnight with their incompetence and ridiculous policies and processes. It would be nice if you could be helpful with navigating the precarious path rather than erecting more barriers to free trade. Nothing in this country is without risks these days so it is my personal belief that if you live in America and you want the M4P drone now, your best bet is to purchase on eBay from a South Korean seller, all things considered. The M4P is not for everyone so if it is not right for you, welcome to forgo the purchase or wait for things to change to something else more palatable.

And you'd be participating in an intentional mislabeling of an import and whatever consequences might ensue if customs detects the deception.

I am not "participating" in nothing of the kind. Due process is not completely dead in this country. Since you apparently have not received a shipment then you have no idea what is going on with the process. Ordinary ebay buyers have no input into what the foreign sellers are doing beforehand and don't have access to official customs documents. According to you, millions of Americans would be implicated as Chinese vendors for years have routinely mislabeled and misvalued their cheap goods they ship to us on a daily basis; that's absurd. If anything, the government is complicit when they close their eyes and look the other way as this has been happening.

 

[MS Coast]

Pardon me but we're busy working our way thru a system fraught with inconsistencies and incompetence and unnecessary hurdles which your government sent into shambles practical overnight with their incompetence and ridiculous policies and processes.

I agree that Trump's tariff policies are disruptive and harmful.

It would be nice if you could be helpful with navigating the precarious path rather than erecting more barriers to free trade.

I'm laughing out loud at that. A few lines of text make me a barrier to free trade? I had no idea what power I wield.

Nothing in this country is without risks these days

Few things anywhere at any time are without risk of some sort.

so it is my personal belief that if you live in America and you want the M4P drone now, your best bet is to purchase on eBay from a South Korean seller, all things considered.

An opinion that I respect. But I think potential purchasers should be aware of the practices that one seller is using to dodge import costs. You alluded to them earlier, but dodged adding details. I've shared the information I received from that seller regarding their procedures and pointing out the risks.

The M4P is not for everyone so if it is not right for you, welcome to forgo the purchase or wait for things to change to something else more palatable.

I'd love to have a Mavic 4 Pro. I just don't want to buy one without access to warranty service, with a risk of high tariffs and fees, or with the knowledge that the sender intends to violate customs regulations.

According to you, millions of Americans would be implicated as Chinese vendors for years have routinely mislabeled and misvalued their cheap goods they ship to us on a daily basis; that's absurd. If anything, the government is complicit when they close their eyes and look the other way as this has been happening.

I just reported what that one vendor you recommended told me would be done with the shipment. Voluntarily or not, purchasing from them involves a buyer in questionable practices. Stating that plainly seems to have triggered some very strong emotions.

 

[mavic3usa]

I just reported what that one vendor you recommended told me would be done with the shipment. Voluntarily or not, purchasing from them involves a buyer in questionable practices. Stating that plainly seems to have triggered some very strong emotions.

It just doesn't set well with me when a tepid link is made about being culpable. A buyer engaging with an online seller is in no way responsible for their business practices either in the US or in Korea regardless what they "knew" or what they thought they knew or were "told."

I don't agree with it just as I don't agree with everyone in the drone community who bought a DJI chinese drone being put on a government list because they knew (or were told) by our government that DJI as a company engages in questionable business practices. IMO getting put on a list like that is a violation of our due process rights. Can you imagine if first responders who continue to operate a DJI drone are held accountable, not for flying or buying a chinese drone against the rules, but for being complicit with DJI's alleged questionable business practices?

For me, strong emotions come from the US Constitution. If they want to round up Koreans who knew, fine; but not here in America.

 

[MS Coast]

It just doesn't set well with me when a tepid link is made about being culpable. A buyer engaging with an online seller is in no way responsible for their business practices either in the US or in Korea regardless what they "knew" or what they thought they knew or were "told."

If a seller is engaging in shady practices, I want to know about it. You may be content with not knowing. Note that I did not say that you were culpable.

I don't agree with it just as I don't agree with everyone in the drone community who bought a DJI chinese drone being put on a government list because they knew (or were told) by our government that DJI as a company engages in questionable business practices. IMO getting put on a list like that is a violation of our due process rights.

I doubt that I'm on any lists, other than DJI's customer and email lists, as a result of buying several DJI drones. I don't imagine that the government has any interest in me in that regard. (Oh, wait. I AM on a government list of sorts along with my DJI purchases - the FAA registration and pilot list. Not losing any sleep over that one, either.)

Can you imagine if first responders who continue to operate a DJI drone are held accountable, not for flying or buying a chinese drone against the rules, but for being complicit with DJI's alleged questionable business practices?

No, I can't imagine that. Your imagination has much greater range than mine.

For me, strong emotions come from the US Constitution. If they want to round up Koreans who knew, fine; but not here in America.

I'm also unable to imagine how the US Constitution relates to Korean citizens or who "they" are that you worry about initiating a round up of Koreans.

My point here is that if someone in contemplating buying a drone from that vendor you recommend, as I was, they should be aware that the vendor states they may intend to violate customs regulations and that there may be implications for the US buyer, such as additional fees, duties, and tariffs.

 

[anotherlab]

Wasn't the original point raised that buying a gray market drone is a risky option if the seller is understating the value to avoid tariffs? And the product will only have warranty support in the country where the product was sold?

None of that is new or specific to drones. People have been buying gray market cameras from Japan for decades.

 

[mavic3usa]

My point here is that if someone in contemplating buying a drone from that vendor you recommend, as I was, they should be aware that the vendor states they may intend to violate customs regulations and that there may be implications for the US buyer, such as additional fees, duties, and tariffs.

According to eBay rules, the buyer is informed about everything they need to know on the listing. Any additional concerns a buyer has they can email the seller. There are no intentions or implications involved in the transaction, that's my point. Each buyer will have to make up their own mind with whatever information is available to them but under no circumstance are they responsible for the seller's business practices. This is a quite a bit different than engaging with a seller who is dealing in stolen property or counterfeit goods, for example. I understand this all might be new to someone but it's not new just because of drones so why start now?

At this point, it is impossible for sellers to adequately cover or respond to concerns regarding the ever-changing political and economic landscape as it affects their operations which is why "buyer beware" always applies when you navigate the world of global trade. It is not for everyone and I suggest anyone who cannot fully understand this world, maybe just don't get involved and find another market where you are comfortable spending your money; the brick and mortar stores are still there and the local swap meet is always a safe place for those who are risk adverse.

 

[Rick39]

For goodness sake, if you don't want to buy an mp4p out of Korea then get one elsewhere. For me it was worth the risk given the apparent rate of success reported by others.

 

[MS Coast]

According to eBay rules, the buyer is informed about everything they need to know on the listing. Any additional concerns a buyer has they can email the seller. There are no intentions or implications involved in the transaction, that's my point.

It's simple. The seller informed me that they intended to violate US customs rules. Their intentions were clearly stated.

Each buyer will have to make up their own mind with whatever information is available to them but under no circumstance are they responsible for the seller's business practices. This is a quite a bit different than engaging with a seller who is dealing in stolen property or counterfeit goods, for example. I understand this all might be new to someone but it's not new just because of drones so why start now?

You may not be concerned with a seller's business practices or ethics, but I am, even if they're not directly related to the product or service I'm buying. For a more serious example, I won't buy a Chinese-printed from an adjudicated sex abuser.

At this point, it is impossible for sellers to adequately cover or respond to concerns regarding the ever-changing political and economic landscape as it affects their operations which is why "buyer beware" always applies when you navigate the world of global trade.

And when the seller tells you they intend to violate customs rules and that you're responsible for all the added costs if their attempt to avoid those costs fail, you should believe them.

It is not for everyone and I suggest anyone who cannot fully understand this world, maybe just don't get involved

More condescension? My decision not to purchase the drone from the vendor you suggested is not based on any inability to understand the world. It was based on the lack of a warranty, the potential for having to pay high customs fees, and ethics.

I shared the information so that others can make their own informed decisions.